George Island

Open — This remote camping area is managed by the USFS and accessible only by boat. No reservation system is in place.

About

George Island is a remote camping area managed by the USFS within the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska. Located in the George Islands at the mouth of Port Althorp in Cross Sound, this primitive site sits approximately 36 miles northwest of Hoonah in the Alexander Archipelago. The camping area is accessible only by boat, making it suitable for experienced backcountry campers and boaters seeking a true wilderness experience. The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States, covering nearly 17 million acres of temperate rainforest, glaciers, islands, and waterways in Southeast Alaska. George Island represents one of the more remote and primitive camping opportunities within this vast forest system, offering solitude and a rugged coastal environment. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions with no developed facilities or amenities. Weather in this region can be unpredictable with frequent rain, and the marine environment requires proper preparation and safety equipment. This location is best suited for self-sufficient adventurers with experience in remote coastal camping and boat-based access.

Directions

Access George Island by a short boat ride from Elfin Cove, Alaska. The journey offers opportunities to observe marine life, including whales and sea otters. Upon arrival at Granite Cove beach, follow the gravel trail leading to the historic World War II gun emplacement.

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